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Teachers' strike: Full list of Nottinghamshire schools which will close

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On Thursday, July 10, members of the National Union of Teachers will take part in industrial action across the county which will see dozens of schools close. The strike has been sparked by disputes relating to pay and work conditions. Listed below are the Nottinghamshire schools who have so far notified the County Council of their closure or part-closure. This list may be subject to change. For a definitive update, contact your child's school directly.• Annie Holgate Infants & Nursery, Kirkby-in-Ashfield - nursery closed. • Awsworth Primary & Nursery, Awsworth - pm reception closed. • Bagthorpe Primary, Underwood • Beardall St. Primary, Hucknall, partially closed for; Nursery pm and Years R,1,2,5 closed. • Bracken Hill Special, Kirkby-in-Ashfield • Brinsley Primary, Brinsley • Burton Joyce Primary, Gedling - partially open for; Year 1, Year 2, one Year 3 class and Year 6. • Carlton Academy, Gedling - open to Years 10 and 12. • Carlton Central Infants & Nursery, Gedling • Carlton Digby Special, Gedling • Derrymount Special, Gedling • East Leake Academy, East Leake - partially closed; Years 7 and 9. • Eastlands Junior, Mansfield • Eskdale Junior, Beeston - partially closed; Years 3,5 and 6. • Fountaindale Special, Mansfield • Greasley Beauvale Primary, Newthorpe - partially closed for; three classes closed. • Heathlands Primary, Mansfield • Hollywell Primary, Broxtowe - partiall open for; Year 1/2 - 23 children. Year 4 - 26 children. • Holy Cross RC Primary, Hucknall - partially closed for; Years 1 and 5/6. • Jesse Gray Primary, West Bridgford - partially closed; Years R, 1 and 4. • John Clifford Primary, Beeston - partially closed; five classes closed. • Joseph Whitaker School, Newark - partially open for Years 8 and 12. • King Edward Primary, Mansfield • Kirkby College, Kirkby-in-Ashfield - partially closed; Open to Years 9, 10 and 12. • Leen Mills Primary, Hucknall • Manor Park Infants, Gedling - partially open for; Owls F2, Giraffes F1 and Penguins F1. • Minster CE School, Newark • Morven Park Primary, Kirkby-in-Ashfield • Netherfield Infants, Mansfield • Newstead Primary, Newstead - partially closed for; Years 1, 2, 3, 4 & Nursery (p/t). • Orchard Special School, Newark • Ordsall Primary, Retford • Outwood Academy Valley, Worksop • Peafield Lane Academy, Mansfield • Python Hill Primary, Newark • Ramsden Primary, Carlton-in-Lindrick • Redgate Special, Mansfield • Redhill Academy, Gedling - partially open for; Year 10 and Year 12.• Richard Bonington Primary, Arnold - nursery closed. • Seely Church CE Primary, Gedling • Sir Edmund Hillary Primary, Worksop • St. Augustines Primary, Worksop • St. Edmunds CE Primary, Mansfield • St. Marys CE Primary Magdalene, Sutton in Ashfield, partially closed for; Years F,3 and 4. • Sutton Community Academy, Sutton

Teachers' strike: Full list of Nottinghamshire schools which will close


Notts County FC Football in the Community help overweight men lose more than 260 stone with Motivate programme

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With the World Cup almost at an end overweight gents are being urged to get off the sofa and out of the pub to lose the extra pounds.

Notts County FC Football in the Community's Motivate programme has helped Nottingham men lose nearly 268 stone in the last three years.

The free 36 week programme has seen 650 men shift their excess weight already - but with an estimated 37,000 obese men still in the city the charity are looking for more people to sign up.

Performance development manager of the "Tackling Male Obesity Campaign" Emma Trent says the programme isn't about fad diets but setting "smart goals".

She said: "We understand that this hasn't been the best time for healthy living.

"With the football on lots of people will have been down the pub drinking or staying in and watching the TV.

"So now the football is drawing to an end it's the perfect time to start a new healthy lifestyle and be inspired to do better than England did this summer."

The programme invites men to attend a 90 minute class once a week, which includes nutrition advice and group exercise.

Ms Trent said: "We are trying to educate people about nutrition so they can make informed decisions.

"So we talk about portion sizes, because a lot of people don't know what a portion size for one person is - it is not a mound of pasta piled high up on a massive plate - as well as talking about takeaways, eating out and empty calories.

"Drinking alcohol is a big one for a lot of men. Many don't realise the calories in a pint are the same as eating a bag of crisps but there is no nutritional value so you still need to eat food on top of drinking. This significantly increases calorie intake."

In the first 12 weeks a target is set of losing three per cent body weight if this is successful men are invited to come back for another 12 weeks and then another.

To be eligible for the free classes men must live in Nottingham city, or be registered to a city GP, be over 18 years of age and have a BMI of 30 or more.

Stuart Dunn, 69, of Bestwood, lost six stone on the programme in nine months, he said: "I was 21 stone when I started. I was walking past a shop window and just happened to see my reflection, and I thought 'no that can't be me' and it was.

"I'm not getting any younger and I thought I'd end up having a heart attack.

"The exercise has helped a lot, I probably wouldn't do it if I wasn't doing Motivate, and in fact I wouldn't do it.

"My diabetes has improved since losing weight, I've come down on some on me tablets and when I get reviewed next I expect I'll drop a few more.

"I get phone calls from the NHS and they tell me I'm not obese anymore and they're happy with my progress."

The sessions take place four times a week at Southglade Leisure Centre on Mondays, from 10am until 11.30am, at the

Portland Centre on Tuesdays from 5.30pm to 7pm,

Hadden Park - now Bluecoat Beechdale Academy - on Thursdays 5.30pm until 7pm and Clifton Leisure Centre on Saturdays from 10am to 11.30am.

Senior manager Tim Hatton said: "There are 37,000 obese men in Nottingham, so we are only starting to scratch the surface.

"Motivate has proven that it can have a significant impact on weight management locally through the impressive results we've achieved already.

"We would like to see many more men register to take part and want them to call the Motivate team.

"They'll feel much better very soon."

Anyone wishing to get involved should call: 0115 9055896 or visit: www.nottscountyfitc.org.uk/motivate

Have you had a lifestyle overhaul? Get in touch: newsdesk@nottinghampost.com

Notts County FC Football in the Community help overweight men lose more than 260 stone with Motivate programme

Ruddington school kids to learn about Uganda with help of travelling teddy bear

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School kids will be learning about the lives of children in Uganda thanks to an intrepid travelling bear.

Pupils at James Peacock Infant and Nursery School, in Manor Park, Ruddington, will be following the adventures of "Ruddy" the teddy bear as he makes his way from the Notts village to Africa.

The bear, which was specially made by the Ruddington WI to mark their 100 year anniversary, will embark on his journey to the Vineyard School in Uganda on Saturday September 27.

This departure will coincide with the end of the school's second annual community day - Ruddstock - which will include a fancy dress parade, face paints and live music.

Class teacher and organiser Sally Squires said: "I'm really proud to be part of this exciting project and I'm overwhelmed by all of the support we've had already from local businesses and organisations.

"By bringing together the community we are celebrating each other's interests, talents and cultures.

"This event and our links with the Vineyard School in Uganda help to teach the children that they and their school are part of a vibrant community and an exciting wider world.

"Promoting this message in such an exciting way helps the children develop an understanding of their place in society and prepares them for life in an increasingly diverse world."

In the run-up to Ruddstock Ruddy will be completing a week-long tour of the village including the vets and post office.

James Peacock pupil, Ella Watson, 5, said: "Ruddy is going on an adventure to places in Ruddington and he will be leaving foot prints where goes which we can find and take pictures of.

"Then he is going to go on a bus and then to the airport and the Uganda."

The Heritage Centre in Ruddington are providing a vintage open top bus to send the bear on his travels, along with a few specially chosen children and their families who will be travelling around the village with him on the bus before he catches his plane.

The children will be learning a special Ugandan song to sing to him as he leaves.

The event is part of the work James Peacock School do towards the Stephen Lawrence Standard for Equality.

This national award was set up to help banish racism and to promote equality and respect.

Pupil Alice Rogers, 5, said: "We have learnt that if we were all the same it wouldn't be good, it is good that we are all different."

You can follow Ruddy's blog at www.jamespeacock.org.uk

Are you organising a community event? Get in touch: newsdesk@nottinghampost.com

Ruddington school kids to learn about Uganda with help of travelling teddy bear

Public sector strike: Full list of city services which will close

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On Thursday, July 10, members of the the public sector will take part in industrial action across the county which will see dozens of schools and services close.

The strike has been sparked by disputes relating to pay and work conditions.

Listed below are the Nottingham children's centres who have so far notified the City Council of their closure or part-closure. This list may be subject to change. For a definitive update, contact Nottingham City Council.

Children's Centres

Bulwell Children's CentreClosed to public Nursery unaffected
Bulwell Forest Children' CentreClosed
Forest Fields Play CentreClosed
Hyson Green Youth ClubClosed
Dunkirk Children's CentreClosed
Glenbrook Management CentreOpen 8.15 -4.30
St Ann's NorthClosed
St Ann's SouthClosed
Meadows Youth Session Closed
Garden Street CentreClosed
Clock tower BulwellClosed

Public sector strike: Full list of county services which will close

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On Thursday, July 10, members of the public sector will take part in industrial action across the county which will see dozens of schools close.

The strike has been sparked by disputes relating to pay and work conditions.

Listed below are the county services which are expected to close This list may be subject to change. For a definitive update, contact Nottinghamshire County Council.

Public services which are expected be closed on Thursday, July 10

Libraries

- Arnold

- Eastwood

- Lowdham

- Misterton

Day services

- Ashfield

- Ollerton 

Children's Centres 

Woman charged with GBH following Newark stabbing

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A woman has been charged with GBH following a stabbing in Newark.

A 52-year-old woman will appear before Mansfield Magistrates' Court on Wednesday morning.

Police were called to a house in Nelson Road, Newark, just before 10.15pm on Sunday.

The 52-year-old victim was taken to Nottingham's Queen's Medical Centre where he remains in a serious but stable condition.

Woman charged with GBH following Newark stabbing

Birmingham Bears v Notts Outlaws: T20 match report

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NOTTS Outlaws moved a step closer to a place in the quarter-finals of the NatWest T20 Blast with a six-run win away to Birmingham Bears at Edgbaston.

Against what is essentially Warwickshire with a re-branded name, it was revenge for the defeat in the County Championship last week that dented Notts' Division One title hopes in that competition.

Mick Newell's men lost the toss and batted first and lost Alex Hales early, run out to a direct hit.

But his latest opening partner Steven Mullaney (pictured) cashed in during the powerplay in some style and off the fourth over from Chris Wight went on an incredible sequence of hitting six, four, six, four for 20 runs in four balls.

But he then went for 36 off 14 balls when top edging to the man in the covers before Samit Patel went soon after when chipping a simple catch to mid-on.

The visitors were 60 for three at the end of six overs and then Riki Wessels' cameo of 29 off 13 balls came to an end when he was caught behind off spinner Jeetan Patel.

Skipper James Taylor's innings begun more sedately, scoring 11 off 29 balls, but he then hit three sixes in a row in the 14th over from Boyd Rankin with pace now back on the ball.

But another flurry of wickets slowed down Notts as James Franklin (12) was caught at long-off, before Chris Read was caught at the second attempt by the wicket-keeper and then Sam Wood went to the very next ball bowled by Jeetan Patel, 126 for seven.

Taylor eventually went in the last over for 44, from 47 balls, before Luke Fletcher came in and smashed a big six only to get out next ball when caught at mid-wicket as Outlaws reached 158 for nine from 20 overs.

In reply, Harry Gurney and Fletcher led the way again – just like they had in the home win over Yorkshire recently.

But after a tight opening three overs, the Bears then went after Ajmal Shahzad to get the scoreboard ticking.

Mullaney then had a howler and a moment of magic in quick succession. He dropped a simple chance from William Porterfield off Shahzad but made up for it later in the over when pulling off a stunning one-handed catch above his head to remove Varun Copra, 51-1 after six overs.

Samit Patel then bowled Jonathon Webb in the next over but the hosts steadied things to reach 70 for two at halfway.

Rikki Clarke then hit a big six and a four off Patel before he too was bowled by the Notts spinner, 80-3.

The dangerous Irishman Porterfield then reached his half century in 40 balls before finding Franklin in the deep off Mullaney soon after.

The Bears needed 51 off five overs but lost Laurie Evans to a superb Read stumping and it was then 31 needed off three overs as Freddie Coleman threatened to win it.

But the penultimate over from Gurney went for only six, as did the last over from Fletcher – when they had needed 13 to win – and this included the wicket of Javid, caught superbly at the mid-wicket boundary by Wood, as the hosts fell shy on 152 for six at Edgbaston.

Birmingham Bears v Notts Outlaws: T20 match report

World Cup 2014: Hosts Brazil thrashed by Germany in semi-final

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BRAZIL'S dreams of making a return to a World Cup final in the Maracana were shattered in the most agonising manner as Germany inflicted on the hosts one of the most remarkable defeats in the 84-year history of this competition. Tears flowed like water in the Estadio Mineirao in Belo Horizonte as before even half-an-hour had gone, Brazil were 5-0 down, and the final scoreline was 7-1, eclipsing their worst-ever defeat, 6-0 to Uruguay back in 1920 before the World Cup had even begun. Two goals for Toni Kroos and Andre Schurrle , plus one each for Thomas Muller, Sami Khedira, and record-breaking 16th World Cup goal for Miroslav Klose saw the visitors delirious, while Brazil begins a period of soul-searching such as never before. Germany will go into Sunday's World Cup final at the Maracana to face Argentina or Holland on the highest of highs. The pain was so intense for Brazil, who had arrived at the Estadio Mineirao intent on honouring their missing talisman, Neymar. They tried to use his absence as an inspiration, parading slowly onto the field linked in crocodile formation, with stand-in captain David Luiz and goalkeeper Julio Cesar clutching Neymar's shirt as they belted out the national anthem. The opening period was always going to be a testing one for Germany, with the partisan crowd baying every Brazilian touch and tackle. Marcelo was cheered wildly after sending a 25-yard shot skimming a couple of yards wide, but there was a frantic feel to it, as though the Neymar emotion had spilled over into a frenzy, with Germany capable of punishing any slackness. That almost happened early on when Mesut Ozil delivered a sweet cross for Khedira to volley only for his shot to strike Kroos. A break by Khedira then led to the corner from which Germany took the lead in the 11th minute. Kroos took it, and it was straightforward enough but Brazil's marking went into meltdown and Muller slotted it home low past Julio Cesar while David Luiz beat the ground in frustration. Marcelo burst into the Germany penalty area and a pinpoint sliding tackle by Philipp Lahm stopped him in full stride but Brazil's high tempo only served to make them vulnerable on the break and Germany made them pay again, this time Klose becoming a World Cup's record-breaker. A delightful passing move saw Muller lay the ball off and although Julio Cesar stopped his first effort, Klose buried the rebound. Two minutes later and it was 3-0, Lahm's cross going all the way across the area for Kroos to slam home left-footed from 18 yards. Another two minutes, another goal. From a goal-kick Fernandinho was robbed by Khedira who unselfishly played in Kroos for a virtual tap-in for 4-0. By this time Brazil fans were in tears and a few leaving their seats, but the German machine marched on mercilessly. Less than half an hour gone and the hosts were 5-0 down. Mats Hummels strode forward and Ozil, who had come alive in this match, set up Khedira for a first-time finish. All over the pitch, in the stands, the executive box where FIFA president Sepp Blatter watched, in the Fan Fests on the beaches and those tens of millions tormented on TVs throughout Brazil, there was sheer disbelief. Scolari's half-time team talk must have been all about rescuing some pride, because it was a different Brazil who came out for the second half, with Paulinho on for the Fernandinho – the Manchester City player was one of those who had had a nightmarish opening half – and Ramires for Hulk, with Low sending on Per Mertesacker for Hummels. Neuer had been barely tested in the first half but only he prevented Brazil getting on the scoresheet, first defying Oscar and then Paulinho. Julio Cesar had to be at his best to tip over Muller's curling effort from 25 yards, but Germany were not to be denied and Lahm's penetrating cross was struck home by substitute Schurrle. It was Chelsea midfielder Schurrle who piled on the agony, a breathtaking finish into the top corner after pulling down Muller's instinctive cross. Ozil should have made it an embarrassing eight but slid wide when through on goal before Oscar's crisp finish in the last minute provided a glimmer of light in the darkness. If Brazil wanted to erase the memories of that 1950 final defeat in the Maracana they have done so: this pain would have been infinitely more excruciating.

World Cup 2014: Hosts Brazil thrashed by Germany in semi-final


Nottingham Forest will look to utilise loan market – but will have to be patient, says boss Pearce

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NOTTINGHAM Forest will look to utilise the loan market in their quest to build a squad capable of sustaining a promotion challenge.

But Stuart Pearce says the Reds will have to be patient when looking to prise the best young talent away from Premier League clubs.

David Vaughan, Danny Fox and Jack Hobbs all made a positive impact after joining the club on loan last season – with the trio all becoming permanent signings subsequently.

Highly-rated young midfielder Nate Chalobah also arrived on loan from Chelsea and, as former manager of the England under-21 side, Pearce has a good knowledge of the best young players in the top flight.

And he plans to utilise that by securing a few high quality loan additions for the coming campaign.

"The loan system will help us out. But Premier League teams will not make decisions on loans until they have had a good look at their players this summer," said Pearce. "We hope there will be a bit of movement on that front towards the start of the season. I think clubs don't commit just yet."

"You can register your interest in this player or that player, but they won't commit, yet, to where he is going to go.

"That, to some extent, will be down to the player and where he wants to go."

Pearce believes the City Ground will be a good place for young players to learn their trade next season – and hopes to persuade a few top flight managers that this is the case in the next month or two.

"We hope to bring in a couple of young players who we can help to educate," he adds.

"Hopefully clubs will look at us and say 'you know what, this is the kind of club we want to send our young players to'.

"I personally would not like to loan a player, to bring him to the club, if he is just going to sit around. He has got to play.

"We have to think he is good enough to come in and help us stage an assault on getting into the Premier League."

Nottingham Forest will look to utilise loan market – but will have to be patient, says boss Pearce

Firefighters to join teachers for another day of industrial action across Nottinghamshire

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PARENTS are divided over public sector strikes that will see schools across the county close tomorrow.

Members of the National Union of Teachers, the Fire Brigades Union, Unite, GMB and Unison across the county are all participating in action.

Firefighters will also be manning picket lines and a number of public services including libraries will close.

The latest round of industrial action has been sparked by ongoing concerns over pay, pensions and working conditions in the public sector.

NUT members are set to walk out, leaving schools to decide whether to stay open, partially close or close completely.

Parents like mum Tee Baumber, 37, Carlton said her daughter's school would be facing partial closure.

She said: "It's a shame they can't find another way in which children and the parents won't be affected.

"A lot of parents will be left in a position where they need to find alternative childcare. I do understand the teachers though."

Jane Barton, 45, of Lowdham, has arranged to work from home so she can look after daughter Molly, 12, who will be off on Thursday.

She said: "It has been a nuisance, it's the third lot of strikes since she started secondary school. It's an easy option when you're in the public sector to strike but I don't think it gets you a lot of brownie points."

However, Laura Kelby, 34, from Clifton whose son Christopher, 9, attends a school for special needs which will also be closed, felt the teachers were justified.

She added: "I don't blame them, especially the ones who teach my son; they have to work extra hard.

"If it's what they need to do to get what want they should do it."

Assistant Secretary of the Nottingham City National Union of Teachers Association, Susi Artis, said most parents she had spoken to supported the strike.

She added: "Over the last few months we've had stalls in Old Market Square, West Bridgford and Sherwood asking parents to sign our petition for change and I'd say 99.9 per cent have been extremely sympathetic.

"I think one or two parents get quite grumpy about strikes and I quite understand that but we're all fighting for the bigger picture – for the future of our schools."

A Department for Education spokesman said: "There is no justification for further strikes.

"Further strike action will only disrupt parents' lives, hold back children's education and damage the reputation of the profession."

The Nottinghamshire Fire Brigades Union will strike from 10am-7pm.

Nottinghamshire Chief Fire Officer John Buckley said: "I ask that people do all they can to help keep the number of incidents to a minimum and only call 999 in a genuine emergency."

Do you agree with the unions? E-mail newsdesk@nottinghampost.com

Here's the full list of city schools affectedClick here for the full list of county schools affected

Firefighters  to   join  teachers     for   another day of industrial action across Nottinghamshire

Cat sanctuary owner 'left animals to die in shed'

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THE owner of a cat sanctuary has been banned for life from having pets after animals in her care were found dead in a shed. RSPCA inspectors discovered the decomposed bodies of seven cats at the Cross Country Cat Rescue in Green Lane, Ilkeston, run by Samantha Hall, along with a leg bone of another pet. The 26-year-old woman, now living in Francis Street, Brinsley, pleaded guilty to failing to meet the needs of eight cats in November last year, as well as failing to provide water to four more cats living inside her home. The sanctuary had been run by a friend of Hall, but when she became homeless, the woman took her in and let her set up at the house. Simon Stevens, mitigating, said after the friend had built the shed for the cats, she soon left, leaving Hall with animals. The RSPCA received a complaint in May 2013 and two officers visited the sanctuary, finding the cats in "reasonable bodily condition." They gave Hall advice and a contact telephone number in case she had any problems. But when the inspectors returned in December, they discovered the bodies of seven cats - one riddled with maggots - in the shed. Food remnants were found near some of the dead cats but none had access to water. A vet described it as a "disgusting environment and a very distressing one." Four cats were found alive inside the house, which was "littered with faecal matter, some of which was mouldy," said John Sutcliffe, prosecuting. When questioned, Hall said the animals had died of cat flu, but this could not be confirmed. If that were the cause, "their suffering would be indescribably awful," the vet reported. Mr Stevens said: "In hindsight, it was clear she could not care for the cats and was unable to care for herself. "She dropped six dress sizes through the distress and worry. "This has had an extremely sobering effect on her." Hall was ordered to pay £400 prosecution costs by Derby and South Derbyshire magistrates court and a £60 government surcharge. She was also given 200 hours of unpaid community work. She now works as a carer for a young person. Although banned for life from keeping animals, she can apply to have it lifted in a decade. Homes have been found for the four rescued cats.

Cat sanctuary owner 'left animals to die in shed'

Pensioner admits wounding teenage boy after firing gun out of window

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A Nottingham pensioner has admitted wounding a 13-year-old boy and possessing a shotgun after he fired shots twice out of his house, intending to scare him. Alan Walker, 68, had originally been charged with attempted murder and was due to have a trial but on Tuesday he entered pleas to the lesser charges. He was bailed to be sentenced later in the year at Nottingham Crown Court. Walker, who was wearing a striped shirt, blue blazer, cream chinos and glasses, was tearful throughout the short plea and case management hearing. He was arrested after police were called to Thorneywood Mount in December following reports of a shooting. The victim was taken to the Queen's Medical Centre with shotgun wounds. His injuries were not life-threatening and he has since been discharged.

Pensioner admits wounding teenage boy after firing gun out of window

Mansfield Town sign Birmingham City defender Amari'i Bell on loan

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MANSFIELD Town have signed left-back Amari'i Bell on a six-month youth loan from Birmingham City.

The 20-year-old trained with the Stags for the first time this morning and is eligible to stay at the One Call Stadium until Saturday, January 3.

"I'm happy to be here and I can't wait to get started," said the defender. "I like to have the ball and pass it, but if the gaffer plays a different ways then I can easily adapt to that."

Bell spent time on loan at Nuneaton Town and Kidderminster Harriers last season and made his Football League debut for his parent club in January 2014.

He is well-known to first team coach Micky Moore, who coached him at Solihull and then signed him on loan at Nuneaton.

"I've worked with Micky at Solihull Moors, Nuneaton Town and now here and I'm happy to be working with him again. This is a good league club and as a young player it's what I need," said Bell.

"The main thing [about the move] is experience and I need some Football League games under my belt."

Mansfield Town sign Birmingham City defender Amari'i Bell on loan

Ellie Downie in Team GB gymnastics squad for Youth Olympic Games

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ELLIE Downie is targeting a spot on the podium after being named in the Team GB gymnastics squad for next month's Youth Olympics.

The Nottingham teenager is one of four gymnasts called up to compete in Nanjing, China from August 16-28.

And she heads there in fine form following her medal haul at the European Championships earlier this year, which included gold on the vault.

"I'm just coming off the back of a really good European Championships so my preparation for Nanjing has been great," said the 15-year-old.

"I'm really looking forward to getting out there and competing for Team GB, and I know if I perform to the level I know I can, I'm capable of pushing for a medal spot.

"Nanjing 2014 is set to be a great Games and I'm really excited about being part of a big multi-sport event in an Olympic environment."

Team leader, and Downie's coach, Claire Starkey hopes the Games will provide a valuable learning experience for the young athletes, particularly with the 2016 Rio Olympics in mind.

"We're all really looking forward to getting out there and enjoying the multi-sport event," she said.

"It's going to be fantastic for these juniors to experience what it will be like if they make it to Rio and beyond, so it's a perfect opportunity for everyone to get a lot out of it from performance right through to village life.

"We are also there to compete though, so it'll be good to see where we are in terms of the other athletes and try to learn from them and improve ourselves."

Ellie Downie in Team GB gymnastics squad for Youth Olympic Games

Stapleford man wins £30,000 payout from former employers over disabling hand injury

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A STAPLEFORD man has been given a £30,000 payout by his former employers after he claimed he had sustained a disabling hand injury at work. David Longden, 49, worked as a metal polisher for CH Precision Finishers Limited in Sandiacre for three years. While there he developed pains in his hands and was subsequently diagnosed with Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS), an industrial injury which mainly affects people who operate vibrating power tools. It can damage the blood vessels, nerves, joints and muscles in the arms, hands and wrists and symptoms include a cold sensation in the fingers, a feeling of numbness in the fingertips, a tingling sensation in the fingers and a whitening of the skin on the fingers. After being diagnosed by his doctor, Mr Longden instructed a solicitor, but his former employers refused to accept responsibility for his injuries and a four-day trial was scheduled at Nottingham County Court. However, on day three of the trial CH Precision decided to make an offer to settle the claim and agreed to pay Mr Longden £30,000. Sinead Cartwright, partner at Hilary Meredith Solicitors, who acted for Mr Longden, said: "People most at risk from developing HAVS are those such as David who use vibrating power tools or machines for long periods. "In the 1970s it was recognised that these tools could cause HAVS and a duty of care was placed upon employers to protect their employees from this danger. "In this case, the defendants did not accept that they were responsible for David's injury and made no offers in settlement. "Consequently we had no alternative but to take the matter all the way, supported by expert medical and engineering evidence. "On day three of the trial at Nottingham County Court, the defendants finally made an offer of £30,000 in settlement of the case." A spokesman for CH Precision Finishers Limited, which provides metal finishing services for world aerospace and power generation industries, said: "The health and safety of our employees is the top priority for us at CH Precision Finishers. "We operate equipment of the highest standards and our employees receive proper training and regular health checks, which are continuously assessed. "This case was complex with other factors involved and was handled by the company's insurers."

Nottinghamshire culinary stars make top 100 list of National Restaurant Awards

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CHEF Tom Sellers' huge appetite for success has seen him open a restaurant, win a Michelin star, appear on TV and rocket in popularity in a whirlwind 15 months.

And that's just for starters for the young rising star from Notts who has taken the London restaurant scene by storm.

His food at Restaurant Story has been lauded by customers and chefs alike and every table for dinner is fully booked until the end of the year.

Now it has been named one of the top 100 restaurants in the UK. Story was also the highest climber in the prestigious National Restaurant Awards 2014, voted for by industry experts, leaping an impressive 69 places to 26th.

The 27-year-old, who grew up in East Leake and earned his first Michelin star within five months of opening last year, said: "It's a huge achievement. I'm really happy for all the team – it's a mark of their hard work and dedication."

Tom, who gained invaluable experience when he worked in the world's best restaurant Noma, takes diners on a nostalgic journey through bold British flavours at the restaurant in Bermondsey.

His £60 six course and £80 ten course tasting menus feature dishes such as bread and dripping with a modern twist; crab, smoked leek, rapeseed, pear and lovage and hay, prune and cereal.

His rising reputation has seen him break into television, competing on BBC2's Great British Menu to have a dish at a banquet in St Paul's Cathedral marking the 70th anniversary of D-Day.

But despite being the joint winner in his heat, he had to drop out during the final after being taken ill. "It was frustrating. I was behind the set on the day of the dessert and the doctors wouldn't let me film," he said.

"Everyone's feedback from my appearance on there has been so positive."

Tom has already been approached about next year's competition but he's got a lot on his plate over the next 12 months.

Other proposals include other sites, a book and something involving a Nottingham sporting champion.

He said: "The last three weekends I've been in Nottingham with certain agents. There is lots happening and that's good for Nottingham hopefully."

Later this month television cameras will be filming Tom and the restaurant for an hour-long programme to be screened on Channel 4 later this year.

"It's become part and parcel of what I do now. I think the thing is it doesn't really faze me," said Tom about TV work.

"Food is so fashionable at the moment. Luck seems to have it that I came into this industry on my own when it was at its peak and I'm riding that wave a little bit. I feel blessed to be in the position I'm in.

"Me and my team work extremely hard. We're growing as a company, as a restaurant and a team month on month.

"You're only as big as you dare to dream. My goal was to open a restaurant and the ambition I had for that restaurant was huge and I believe we can definitely make a noise in the restaurant world."

Tom, who was expelled from school after his GCSEs and found work as a pot washer in a local pub, added: "For me it's how do we make this year better than last year? We set a huge precedent last year 'we've arrived, we're here, we mean business' and now it's about taking it to the next level.

"You know you're in a good position when you say no to a lot more than we say yes to at the moment."

* Nottingham's two star Michelin starred Restaurant Sat Bains slipped five places to 11th in this year's National Restaurant Awards.

But Sat is still happy with his position.

"It's different each year. We were number three once, number five, number six. You're going to be up and down and as long as we're still at the top end, that's all that matters."

Sat was one of judges for the awards and had to vote for his favourite top five restaurants. His number one choice was Mayfair Indian restaurant Gymkhana – the actual winner.

"It's fantastic food. I've eaten there three times. It's incredible flavours."

Restaurant Sat Bains finished ahead of Raymond Blanc's Le Manoir, Michel Roux Jnr's La Gavroche, The River Cafe and Restaurant Gordon Ramsay.

Nottinghamshire culinary stars make top 100 list of National Restaurant Awards

Lake at Highfields Park being monitored after 'unusual' drop in water level

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LARGE parts of a "picturesque" lake have been reduced to mud and silt due to a fall in the water table. The boating lake at Highfields Park has dropped by 12 inches in the last few weeks. The water is one of the main attractions in the 121-acre park which is also home to trees, exotic plants and fish. Barry Duke held his wedding reception at the lakeside pavilion in 1984. The 52-year-old of Sandiacre said:"It was a perfect backdrop to look over the lake with picturesque beauty. "This however, was not the case when I heard about the water level dropping the other week. "Me and a friend decided to take a leisurely stroll around the lake; you can clearly see the waterline has severely dropped by the water mark all around the brick work surrounding the lake, it is at least 12 inches below its comfort zone. "The banks on the east side of the lake are all mud and silt, plants that should be under water are sticking out the water and fish can clearly be seen in the central part of the lake with their fins sticking out the water and the stepping stones and fountain look in a terrible state. "As it is, it is a depressing sight to see." The water table is so low that the waterfall is no longer working and Nottingham Model Boat Club has had to stop using the lake. A notice on the club's site said: "The Club has recently had to take action in relation to the very low water level at the usual Sunday morning venue of Highfields Park lake. "The very low water has already claimed a casualty in the recent Micro Magic Challenge Race with Attenborough Yacht Club. "For the immediate future all racing and events scheduled for Highfields will now be held at Colwick Park lake. "The Club has little option but to now use Colwick for all current events and sailing days until further notice." If the water level continues to fall the fish in the lake may have to be rescued. Steve Lawrie, from the Environment Agency's fisheries team said: "Our fisheries staff have liaised with the local council, who are monitoring the situation on a daily basis. "We have provided support and guidance to enable the council to create an action plan to remove fish from the lake in a timely manner should water levels continue to fall. "We will continue to work closely with the council until the matter is resolved." Parks development manager James Dymond from Nottingham City Council, said: "We are currently monitoring the situation at Highfields Park, in Wollaton East and Lenton Abbey ward, and believe that it has been caused by a natural drop in the water table. "This has, in turn, led to the lake's waterfall ceasing to operate because the level of water has fallen below the mechanism which drives it. "The drop in water is quite unusual but appears as though it is simply seasonal fluctuation. "We will continue to monitor the situation and have a team on stand-by to rescue the fish if necessary."

Lake at Highfields Park being monitored after 'unusual' drop in water level

World Cup 2014: We look at some of the biggest ever shocks

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GERMANY'S 7-1 defeat of Brazil was the shock to end all shocks. Nevertheless, other teams have also suffered humiliation at the World Cup finals. Here, the Post looks at some of those games: USA 1 England 0, Brazil 1950 The most humiliating defeat in England's history. The tournament favourites dominated to start with but in the 37th minute the US stunned them by taking the lead through Larry Gaetjens. Walter Winterbottom's side could not hit back and suffered a hugely embarrassing defeat. North Korea 1 Italy 0, England 1966 Until Tuesday night, perhaps the most surprising World Cup scoreline ever. Italy were expected to thump the Asian minnows but, against all the odds, the Koreans' defence held firm against the might of the Europeans. The now legendary Pak Doo Ik was on hand to score a scarcely believable winner. Scotland 3 Holland 2, Argentina 1978 Holland's celebrated 'total football' side were in their prime, brimming with confidence and fully expected to dish out a real lesson to the Scots. However, Archie Gemmill had other ideas and fired a superb brace, and with Kenny Dalglish also popping up to score, the Dutch were defeated. Cameroon 1 Argentina 0, Italy 1990 Cameroon, reduced to nine men after a double sending-off, produced another strong candidate for the biggest-ever World Cup shock against the reigning champions. In only Cameroon's second appearance in the finals, they stunned the South Americans and stole the hearts of supporters when Francois Omam Biyik headed home the winner. Costa Rica 1 Scotland 0, Italy 1990 Another of the catalogue of embarrassing results in Scotland's history. Juan Cayasso condemned the Scots to one of their darkest days with the only goal. Scotland turned in a dreadful performance and set the wheels in motion for another first round exit. Republic of Ireland 1 Italy 0, USA 1994 Even Ireland's travelling army could surely not have believed their side would defeat the mighty Italy. But Jack Charlton's men did exactly that, thanks to Ray Houghton's brilliant 25-yard strike. The Irish defence kept the Italian strike force at bay as Charlton's men sent their supporters into ecstasy. France 0 Senegal 1, Japan and South Korea 2002 The world and European champions were left stunned in their opening game of the tournament through a goal from El Hadji Diouf. France went close and hit the woodwork twice, but the African nation held on for victory. USA 3 Portugal 2, Japan and South Korea 2002 America surged into an incredible 3-0 lead after only half an hour thanks to goals from John O'Brien, an own goal from Jorge Costa, and Brian McBride. Beto scored just before the interval to give the fancied Europeans hope and Jeff Agoos' second-half own goal set American nerves jangling – but they hung on for a famous victory. Italy 1 South Korea 2, Japan and South Korea 2002 Ahn Jung-hwan, who missed a first-half penalty, was the Korean hero with the dramatic winner three minutes from the end of extra-time in this second-round match. In an extraordinary encounter, Seol Ki-hyeon scored in the 88th minute to cancel out Christian Vieri's opener. Italy striker Francesco Totti was also dismissed in extra-time. Spain 0 Switzerland 1, South Africa 2010 Switzerland stunned European champions Spain with a narrow win in the teams' Group H opener in Durban. Gelson Fernandes got the only goal in the 52nd minute, before Spain's Xabi Alonso was denied by the crossbar in the 71st minute. Spain wasted a hatful of other chances – and the Swiss held on. Spain 1 Holland 5, Brazil 2014 Spain had recovered from that Switzerland defeat to win the tournament four years ago, and after Alonso's first-half penalty it seemed business as usual at the start of their title defence. But Robin van Persie's flying header sparked a barnstorming Dutch fightback in which he and Arjen Robben scored twice apiece, with defender Stefan de Vrij also on target.

World Cup 2014: We look at some of the biggest ever shocks

England v India: Day one report from Trent Bridge

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ALASTAIR Cook has no future as England captain unless he starts scoring runs. That is the common consensus at least as Shane Warne leads a growing chorus which suggests he is so conservative in his leadership he makes John Major look like Evel Knievel. Cook has already hit back at Australian icon Warne with some ill-advised words, but at Trent Bridge he responded with actions that helped ensure his team had a competitive if attritional day. It had to be that way as having lost the toss, England were forced to grind it out for 90 overs as India looked to cash in on a dreadfully slow Trent Bridge pitch. When Cook's opposite number MS Dhoni assessed the wicket before winning the toss he must have thought his team would score 500. They still might but having closed on 259 for four the game is at least well poised. That is in part down to Cook, whose innovative field placings yielded a couple wickets, most notably that of Cheteshwar Pujara. It was not revolutionary stuff, but it helped. There was no answer to Murali Vijay though as he batted through the day hit the 100th Test hundred at the historic ground, finishing on 122 not out. He was well supported by Dhoni, who is unbeaten on 50. Ironically, some of that conservatism might not have gone amiss though as India were given a frustrating outlet as they ran countless runs down to the vacant third man area. While Cook still enjoyed a better day at the helm than he has of late, he was well backed up by athletic catching – include one from himself – and Nottinghamshire man Stuart Broad, who proved he is a master of his craft on his home ground. Broad showed how to bowl on a surface that drew looks of disgust from all the seamers as they rued the lack carry through to Matt Prior behind the stumps. He probed away at the Indian batsman all day, finishing day one with figures of one for 26 from 19 overs. The slow pitch ensured the crowd went home without having been as entertained as they might, but it was further highlighted by the absence of another Notts man in Graeme Swann. Cook's obvious lack of trust in the part time spin of Moeen Ali was justified as his nine overs went for 50. That meant England's seamers had a heavy workload where they really had to put their back into it on a pitch that might well deteriorate, but looks certain to support a full five day game. Shikhar Dhawan arrived in England with a blossoming reputation but he was first out for 12 before he could get in as James Anderson took his 50th Test wicket at Trent Bridge. The bowler owed much to Matt Prior, who showed his pre-match fitness test on a thigh injury was a rigorous one as he dived across Cook at first slip and took a sensational catch. Before lunch, Vijay and Pujara had all the time they needed to play the ball though on a pitch that was so reminiscent of their homeland they might have wondered if they should have just played the game in Nagpur. Vijay had his 50 off 68 balls as he and Pujara guided the tourists seamlessly to 106 for one at lunch. There were either stern words exchanged in the England dressing room or an extra dose of caffeine in the players' energy drinks as they came out firing after the interval. Broad had been the standout bowler in the morning and he led the charge as England now collectively applied scoreboard pressure instead of trying to take a wicket every ball. Just like in the morning, Anderson was the first to strike, this time before India had added to their score. And just like with his first wicket, a major assist came from a team-mate. Cook shook off his conservative captain reputation by slotting Ian Bell in at short mid-on. It was he who dived full length to catch Pujara one handed for 38 when the batsman was too quick through his shot to a slower ball from Anderson. India lost their second wicket in ten balls when Broad took a deserved wicket. It was probably the most important one at that stage as well as danger man Virat Kohli went for one. He tentatively dangled the bat outside the offside stump and sent an edge to that man Bell, who this time took simple catch at second slip. Ajinkya Rahane was still yet to score when he edged Broad agonisingly short of Bell. That saw the crowd turn up the volume. They were quietened for much of the rest of the session though as India managed to add a pedestrian 71 in a better spell for the hosts. There was a bizarre start to the final session as India, resuming on 177 for three, lost Rahane straightaway. Liam Plunkett was not to be denied his first wicket as he struck with the last ball of the first over after tea. It was the strangest of dismissals as Rahane looked to pull, only for the ball to clatter into the toe end of the bat and fly in the opposite direction straight to Cook, who showed incredible reactions at silly point to take the catch – 178 for four. Vijay was meandering towards his century, only to get stuck on 99 for 13 dot balls. On the 14th delivery he risked a rather selfish single that could have run his captain out, but he made it home and Vijay was able to celebrate his first Test hundred on foreign shores, his previous three coming against Australia at home. The new ball was taken but it made no difference as Vijay batted through the day and Dhoni made it through to his 50 in the final over the day.

England v India: Day one report from Trent Bridge

Lady Chatterley's "sexy bits" under scrutiny in new art exhibition

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IT is one of the most controversial novels of all time – but were the raciest chapters of Lady Chatterley's Lover's written not by DH Lawrence... but by his wife? This is the question being asked by a team of artists putting together an exhibition on the history of the Notts author's famous work. It has been organised and inspired by the impending publication of a new book by former Birmingham poet laureate Brian Lewis. The book, called The Sexy Bits of Lady C, follows the tale of a fictional academic trying to find out if it was Lawrence's wife Frieda who penned the novel's passionate love scenes. Mr Lewis said: "I'm part of the generation that remembers the trial of Lady Chatterley and I thought it would be a funny idea to flip the novel on its head. "Lawrence was from a chapel town while Frieda was far more progressive. "There were a lot of differences in their temperament and I think that if you look at certain elements in his writing he did a collaborate a lot in his early years." It has been suggested that during the period of the novel's creation, Lawrence may have suffered illness making it difficult to write parts for himself. In addition, some of the scenes in the novel are said to have bore similarity to real-life experiences recounted by Frieda to her sister. Mr Lewis said that while the question was purely speculative, he hoped it could reinvigorate the sorts of themes and ideas that Lawrence inspired. He said: "It's in the nature of scholarship that we ask these incredible questions." The exhibition inspired by Mr Lewis's novel, entitled In Praise of Frieda Lawrence, will feature a range of works including paintings, sculpture and music. It will take place at the Crocus Gallery in Lenton from this Saturday to Thursday, August 7. Engineer Yvonne Dutton is one of the artists who has contributed to the exhibition. She said: "Brian always comes up things that are completely off the wall so why not ask the question? "A lot of artists collaborate and get help so whose to say that Lawrence didn't leave it to his wife? "I do wonder if the novel had been written by a woman whether it would have been remembered." The legacy of Lawrence will continue to be celebrated later this year as fans from the author's home town of Eastwood open this year's DH Lawrence Festival. Claire Bates, Heritage Services Manager at D.H Lawrence Heritage said: "Lawrence's work has always been surrounded by many different interpretations and we are delighted that people are still so fascinated by him, over 80 years after his death. "The exhibition at the Crocus Gallery will no doubt be very popular and we hope that Lawrence fans will join us at the annual D.H. Lawrence Festival when it returns in September." Are you organising an upcoming exhibition? Email newsdesk@nottinghampost.com

Lady Chatterley's

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